Info
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
f . Other
Comments: All organisations of the Party and the State, the Lao Front for National Construction and mass organisations have the right to nominate a list of their candidates to be elected as members of the National Assembly, through local election committees in the concerned constituencies, which lists shall then be proposed to the National Election Committee for consideration and approval.
For ministries and organisations at the central level, the list of candidates can be submitted directly to the National Election Committee.
The names of candidates to be elected as members of the National Assembly are determined taking into account the principle that such candidates may occupy one position or combined positions in the government at different levels, if appropriate.
The candidates in each constituency can be listed according to Lao alphabetical order or in any other order, as decided by the National Election Committee.
Source: Law No. 37/PO on the Election of Members of the National Assembly, art. 9: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Law-on/view
Verified: 2021/02/24
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship d . Residence j . Other
Comments: Any Lao citizen who is at least 21 years of age has the right to be elected as a member of the National Assembly provided that he/she:
1. is patriotic, devoted to the people's democracy, loyal to the New Economic Mechanism of the Party, true to the nation, always serve the interests of the people, and have a strong, clear and absolute attitude towards friends and enemies;
2. has a sufficient level of knowledge of the Party’s policies and strategic programs and of State laws and regulations, and has the capacity to undertake propaganda and to motivate people to be aware of and to participate in the implementation of such Party policies and State laws;
3. has an exemplary attitude, symbolise the solidarity of multi-ethnic groups, has a grassroots working method, and is close to and trusted by the people;
4. is a Lao person with Lao nationality who is living and working inside the country;
5. has sufficient knowledge and capacity to undertake research and to contribute ideas on the implementation of the rights and duties of members of the National Assembly;
6. is in good health in order to carry out his/her regular duties.
Source: Constitution, Art. 36: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Constitution/view;
Law No. 37/PO on the Election of Members of the National Assembly, art. 3, 8: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Law-on/view
Verified: 2021/02/24
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
c . In legislative elections (Chamber 1)
Comments: Laos is a one-party communist state, but candidates for the National Assembly are not required to be part of the communist party.
Source: Laos--Freedom in the World (2019), art. B2: https://www.justice.gov/eoir/page/file/1162151/download
Verified: 2021/02/24
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments: The Lao People’s Revolutionary Party is the only political party in Lao.
Source: Constitution: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Constitution/view;
Law No. 37/PO on the Election of Members of the National Assembly: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Law-on/view
Verified: 2021/02/24
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Constitution/view;
Law No. 37/PO on the Election of Members of the National Assembly: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Law-on/view
Verified: 2021/02/24
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Constitution/view;
Law No. 37/PO on the Election of Members of the National Assembly: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Law-on/view
Verified: 2021/02/24
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